Charles Barkley’s take on the Celtics: Though the Cavaliers entered Tuesday’s NBA Cup group stage matchup 15-0, the night ended up belonging to the defending champion Celtics in a 120-117 win.

The streaking Cleveland Cavaliers tested themselves against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics and came away with a loss — and a lot to work on.

Cleveland, which rested Donovan Mitchell on Sunday, leads the NBA in scoring at 123.7 points pergame via the league's top field goal and 3-point percentages, plus its best point differential.

Are the Cleveland Cavaliers a real threat to the Boston Celtics in the NBA's Eastern Conference? After starting the 2024-25 regular season stronger than any team in the league, the Cavs are forcing opposing ball clubs to re-assess where they see Cleveland as a potential title contender this season.

The Boston Celtics handed the Cleveland Cavaliers their first defeat of the season on Tuesday, holding off a spirited fightback to record a thrilling 120-117 victory.

The red-hot Cleveland Cavaliers (15-0) travel to TD Garden to face the Boston Celtics (11-3) in an Eastern Conference showdown on Tuesday.